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Levelland council approves first reading to fund mosaic restoration from hotel tax
Summary
The Levelland City Council on first reading approved an ordinance creating a Mosaic Restoration Fund that would allow the city to allocate up to 15% of annual hotel occupancy tax revenue for restoration and preservation of existing mosaic artwork.
The Levelland City Council on first reading voted to create a Mosaic Restoration Fund that would allow the city to allocate up to 15% of its annual hotel occupancy tax revenue for preservation and restoration of existing mosaics within city limits.
City officials and local arts advocates told council the mosaics — many built 35–53 years ago — have outlived their estimated 20–25 year lifespan and need repair. Mary Siders, who presented the proposal with other Chamber-area volunteers, said the group identified two priority pieces for initial work: the “Land of Soil, Oil and Education” mural outside the Chamber of Commerce and the “Chain of Life” mosaic at MLK Drive and Jackson Avenue.
“The average age of those mosaics is between 35 and 40 years old, whereas the lifespan or the estimated lifespan for these mosaics is about 20 to 25 years,” Siders said. She told council that work would be phased because hotel-occupancy-tax revenue would not cover all sites at once.
The ordinance text presented to council cites chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code and would limit use of the allocated revenue to restoration and preservation of existing mosaic artwork that “promote Levelland as a destination for tourists, visitors, and the general public.” The ordinance specifically authorizes allocation of up to 15% of annual hotel occupancy tax revenue for that purpose.
Councilmember motioned and a second carried the ordinance on first reading; no recorded dissents were stated during the roll call. Councilmembers said they expect further refinements before second reading and noted staff and the city attorney had provided edits to the draft.
Supporters said restoring mosaics serves tourism goals and protects public art the city has long advertised. The presenters told council they had met with the art director at Texas Tech and with mosaic artists to confirm feasibility.
Council scheduled the item for continued consideration at the next meeting; the ordinance is on first reading only and would return for a second reading before becoming final.
For now, project details — specific contractor selections, exact project timeline and per-site cost estimates — were not specified and will be developed if the council adopts the ordinance on second reading.
